Overview
The T23 Medium Tank was the only model of the T20-T25 series to see significant production. The T23 was based on the T22, itself a modified version of the T20. Intended to replace the M4 Sherman, 250 vehicles (2 prototypes and 248 pre-production) were produced. However, the type was never standardized and never approved for service due to maintenance concerns of its electric transmission. However, the T23’s turret would later be mass-produced and used on the 76mm Shermans.
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History
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The T20
Development of the T23 starts with the T20. The T20 was envisioned as a replacement of the M4 Sherman. Developed from 25th May 1942, the T20 would have a lower profile, thicker armour, higher mobility, and improved firepower compared to the M4. Four prototypes were built in 1943- the T20 with HVSS and 76mm M1, T20E1 with automatic 75mm cannon and HVSS (cancelled before completion), the T20E2 with 3" M7 (actually built with 76mm M1) and torsion-bar suspension, and T20E3 with 76mm M1 and torsion-bar suspension. All were powered by the Ford GAA V-8 engine, torque converter transmission, and featured a well-sloped welded hull and cast turret. A unique feature of the T20 (and subsequent models) was the redundant driver’s controls allowing the machine gunner to drive the vehicle. The T20E3 was recommended for standardization as the M27B1, but rejected because of its unreliable transmission.
The T22
Soon after the development of the T20 began, a second vehicle was developed as the T22. This was nearly identical to the T20. It featured slight changes to the hull and turret due to the switch from Fischer to Chrysler for manufacturing. However, the main difference was in transmission, the T22 using the same mechanical transmission fitted to the M4 Shermans. A single prototype was constructed, featuring HVSS suspension and 76mm M1. This T22 was late refitted to T22E1 standard armed with an autoloaded 75mm M3. A second model with a 3" M7 was planned but never built. The T22 proved to be no more mobile than the M4, so development continued.
Finally, the T23
Following on the T22 was the T23. Around the same time as the T20 began development, the T1E1 heavy tank was beginning production. Its electric transmission was highly advanced for the time and had many advantages over conventional designs, so it was decided to adapt it for the T22, creating the T23. While initially intended to be produced with several armament options like the T20 and T22, experience on those vehicles had shown that the 76mm M1 was the best solution and so the pair of T23 prototypes were fitted with them. It was intended that the T1E1 and T23 would be the next generation of American armour. Besides transmission, the T23 differed from the T22 in the use of VVSS instead of HVSS and a modified rear hull. The first T23 was produced in January 1943. During trials, its electric transmission proved far more reliable than those of the T20 or T22, also requiring less fuel and producing less heat. In spring 1943, a new turret based on that of the T72 was designed for the T23, featuring all-around better armour and a simpler design than the previous turret. This turret was refitted to the T20 and first T23 and would be used for all future T23 production.
Production and Rejection
On 6th May 1943, the T23 was selected as the best of the T20/22/23 series, and an order for 250 was made, the two existing prototypes included. Combat experience with the M4 Sherman showed that armour would need an increase, so the UFP was increased from 63.5mm to 76.2mm, increasing weight to 34.2 tonnes. This started to become a problem- the T23 has now over 4 tonnes heavier than the T20 or M4 while retaining the same suspension, increasing ground pressure beyond what the VVSS could handle. By this point, the T23’s turret had been successfully mounted on the M4A1, meaning it would not offer any more firepower than a Sherman. Finally, there was the issue of maintenance. While more reliable than a mechanical transmission, the T23’s electrical one would require a massive rework in the training and equipment of field mechanics if put into service. One version of the T23, designated the T23E3 and fitted with a torsion-bar suspension, was offered for standardization as the M27, but rejected due to the unreliability of the suspension. One final attempt to fix the T23 came with the T23E4, fitted with HVSS and wider tracks, was built in December 1944. They performed well in trials and actually seemed to fix the main problems of the T23. However, these vehicles proved too little too late as the T26 was already in production.
In the end the T23, much like the T1E1 it was intended to serve alongside, proved both too advanced and not advanced enough, being replaced by the more conventional but more powerful M26.
Specifications
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General
Length, excluding gun: 6.02m
Length, gun forward: 7.56m
Width: 3.11m
Height: 2.51m
Weight: 34.16 tonnes
5 Crew: Driver, Assistant Driver/Machine Gunner, Gunner, Commander, Loader
Automotive
Ford GAN V-8
500hp (gross)
14.64hp/tonne
Dual electric transmission
56km/h max speed forward/reverse
VVSS suspension
Armour
Hull-
UFP: 76.2mm, 47deg
LFP: 63.5mm, 53deg
Front side: 50.8mm
Rear sides: 38.1mm
Rear: 38.1mm
Roof: 19.1mm
Front floor: 25.4mm
Rear floor: 12.7mm
Turret-
Mantlet: 88.9mm (cast)
Turret front: 76.2mm (cast)
Sides: 63.5mm (cast)
Rear: 63.5mm (cast)
Roof: 25.4mm (cast)
Armament
76mm M1A1:
66 rounds-
M62 APHECBC
M42A1 HE
M93 APCR
M88 smoke
360 degree traverse
-10/+25 degree elevation
Horizontal traverse rate: 24deg/s
7.62mm M1919A4:
Coaxial
5,000 rounds
7.62mm M1919A4:
Hull-mount
5,000 rounds
12.7mm M2HB:
Roof-mounted
300 rounds
2" Mortar M3:
Roof-mounted
12 smoke grenades
The T23 in-game
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The T23 is essentially a T25 with the turret of a Sherman 76. Compared to the T25, the T23 has weaker turret armour and a much less powerful cannon, but is slightly faster, with a slightly faster fire rate and vertical stabilizer. Compared to the T20, the T23 has better front armour, lower hp/tonne, but a much faster reverse rate. It’d make an excellent BR 6.3 medium tank to directly precede the T25, potentially BR 6.0 if the T20 also moves down. I personally would advocate for the M4/T26 to be moved into the M4 (76) folder, as that would make more sense and allow the T23 to be the first vehicle in its folder since it actually saw mass production.
Gallery
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The T23 and its big brother, the M26
The T23 prototypes originally featured a turret similar to the T20
The first pilot was then fitted with the E6194 turret
But they would soon be fitted with its much more recognizable D82081 turret, this being the production standard
The T23’s power pack was designed to be easily removed in one piece for maintenance
The T23’s electrical system was quite complex
The driver’s seat. Thanks to its electrical transmission the T23 was extremely easy to drive
The T23 could even be remote-controlled
The T23 used standard VVSS, a strange choice that became a significant issue
The T23E3 that would form the basis of the T25
Sources